Whether you’re heading off campus, signing a lease for a new job, or upgrading your space, there’s one important step many renters forget: protecting what’s inside. From laptops and textbooks to furniture and everyday essentials, your belongings can add up quickly—and so can the cost to replace them if something goes wrong. In this blog, we’ll dive into the basics of renter’s insurance and how it can help protect you in situations involving theft, liability, and property damage.

What Is Renter’s Insurance?

Renter’s insurance is a policy that protects people living in rental properties. In Massachusetts, it’s not legally required, but many landlords make it a lease requirement. It’s designed to cover what your landlord’s insurance won’t—like your personal belongings and your financial responsibility if something happens inside your unit. Whether it’s your first apartment or your fifth, renter’s insurance offers peace of mind when the unexpected happens.

What Does It Cover?

Renter’s insurance policies in Massachusetts can offer a wide range of protections. Here are three major areas where coverage comes into play:

Theft
If your laptop, phone, or backpack is stolen—whether from your apartment or your car—renter’s insurance can help cover the cost to replace them. Many Massachusetts policies also cover personal items stolen while you’re away from home, such as at school or traveling.

Liability
If someone is injured in your apartment, or you accidentally cause damage to another unit (like a leak that damages your downstairs neighbor’s ceiling), you could be responsible for the costs. Renter’s insurance helps cover legal expenses, medical bills, or damage claims. In Massachusetts, keep in mind that standard policies typically only cover the person named on the policy, not roommates—so everyone should have their own coverage.

Property Damage and Temporary Housing
If fire, water damage from a burst pipe, or another covered event makes your apartment unlivable, renter’s insurance can help pay for temporary housing, food, and other essentials. However, it’s important to note that flood damage is not covered under a standard policy in Massachusetts—you’ll need separate flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area.

Why It’s Worth It—Even If It’s Not Required

Even if your landlord doesn’t require renter’s insurance, it’s still a smart investment. The cost is low—often between $10 and $20 per month—and the protection can be invaluable. Whether you’re a college student with expensive tech or a working professional with a fully furnished space, having a policy can save you from major out-of-pocket expenses. Before you move in:

• Take inventory of your belongings and estimate their value.

• Speak with an agent to customize your coverage based on your location and living situation.
• Ask about bundling your renter’s insurance with other policies

Here at the Safeside Insurance Agency, we’re proud to support renters across Massachusetts—from students signing their first lease to long-term tenants looking for peace of mind. If you have questions about renter’s insurance or want help finding a policy that fits your needs, give us a call at (508) 753-8862 or jump right in with a quote.